Hello Dolly!

Malia's pregnancy was progressing well. Her gardening kept her exercised and when she felt fatigued Carl was happy to take over the more strenuous tasks. In fact his boss at the lab was keen for Carl to become more familiar with plants and their life-cycles as part of a major research project he team was working on.

Every few weeks Malia would be surprised to see another exotic plant mixed in amongst the ordinary fruits and vegetables she was growing for the local market.

The lab would allow them  to sell on the produce from some of the specimens Carl was given to work with; those that weren't particularly rare or exotic but merely unusual in this part of the world.

The local store owners did sometimes require considerable persuasion to take these unlikely local goods but slowly word of Malia's garden prowess grew and some of the residents of Hidden Springs would visit specifically to check if she could grow a particular vegetable or fruit that they had discovered on holiday and now wanted to try at home.

Apart from the benefits to both their careers, having access to such a variety of fresh foods meant that Debra was exposed to a diverse variety of foods and tastes so they hoped they would have no problems with her developing fussy eating habits.

It was clear to Carl that with another baby on the way they would need to extend their small home again.

This would be a more substantial modification than that required to create the nursery room for Debra.

The architect had suggested fully extending the rear of the building and rearranging the kitchen and living area.

To minimise the stress of all the works Carl and Malia decided to involve Debra by getting her to design her new room.

The look Debra decided to go for was quite typical for a young girl.  Surrounded by a cloudy skyscape with lots of her favourite animals and, a recent obsession, a wall full of pretty boy band posters!

While Carl was busy working on the extension to their home and getting the children's rooms finished, Malia would be in the garden tending to the many varieties of plants they now grew.

In these warm late spring days she loved being able to spend time outdoors, not doing any strenuous groundwork (Carl would take care of that!) but just being in the sun, surrounded by the colourful bounty that she, and Carl of course, had coaxed out of the earth.

It was on one such early summer day that Malia was taking out some weeds, with Debra at school and Carl working at the lab, that she felt this sudden tightening pain and as she struggled to stand up she realised her waters had broken ... it was a couple of weeks before due but it looked like baby was ready!

Malia called her midwife who was actually on a call a couple of streets away and by the time she arrived the regular contractions had started in earnest so she immediately phoned for an ambulance and rang Carl to let him know what was happening.

Carl shouted across to his partner "that's the call, gotta go!" who barely had time to wish him luck before he was out of the lab.

He knew and trusted the midwife and had confidence in the staff at the Sacred Spleen Memorial, but Carl felt anxious that he was not there at the start of the labour and the taxi ride across town seemed to take forever.

-- * --

He needn't have worried though, after the initial surprise at the slightly premature labour, everything went perfectly and that night Malia and Carl had their second child.  Another beautiful daughter, who they decided to name 'Dolly'.

Pleased with the condition of both mother and baby, the family were soon leaving the hospital and heading home to introduce Debra to her new sister.

Debra couldn't quite believe how small Dolly was ... but then surely she was too big to have been inside Mummy ... Babies sure are complicated ... and funny looking but she smelt nice and warm and cosy ... which is weird, how can something smell warm?  But somehow she did!

Carl explained to Debra that he and Malia would be extra busy looking after baby Dolly but that didn't mean they loved her any less because the new baby brought even more love into the house to share around and before she knew it Debra and Dolly would be playmates and the best of friends.

Malia Has News

Now that Debra was growing up and was more aware of the world around her Malia and Carl loved sharing some of their favourite places in Hidden Springs with her, and Debra really seemed to enjoy being more a part of the 'adult' world

One place Debra loved was the Indulgent Bakery which was full of creamy baked delights and the very fanciest tea pots and cups.  Everyone was always so relaxed and cheerful, and it was a great place to take time out to chat with friends.

But, as much as she loved cream cakes and fancy tea, sometimes all the grown up chatter got a bit, well, boring.  It was at those moments that Debra loved to play with her favourite doll, Peaches.  Between them they would decide which was the best cream cake in the whole world and just what flavours of tea they would have in their own cake shop.

A few weeks after her birthday, it was time for Debra's first day at school.  She was quite looking forward to it, she enjoyed spending time with the other children she had already met and their could be new friends to make.

Even so, when the big school bus pulled up outside their home it suddenly seemed very real and just a little bit scary ...

But she, and her parents need not have worried. From that first day forward Debra loved school and, especially, getting back home to tell them all about her day.  The incredible new things she had learned, the games she and her friends played, all the gossip from the playground.

Carl was delighted to realise that Debra had really taken to school.  She already had a few good friends among the other children in the neighbourhood but she could be a little moody at times, often a result of over-thinking quite innocent things her friends might do or say.  But when she came home after school she always seemed excited about something that had happened during the day.

He particularly loved that she had an eagerness for learning and understanding how things worked - so much so that there were times when she really tested his own knowledge of some subjects.

It was about two or three weeks after starting school that Debra noticed here parents seemed to be whispering and giggling more than usual.  They would disappear into their bedroom for a while and when they emerged they would often be smiling or hugging or even kissing.

Not that she really minded, it was a bit 'icky' but they seemed happy so Debra didn't complain too much ... though she was sometimes distracted from her homework!

-- * --

Malia had her suspicions, her body was giving her those oh so subtle signals that the smallest of changes were happening.  Then she took a test, watching nervously for the indicators ... yes, now she could tell Carl ...

"Carl, honey, I've done the test again ... and ... it's positive!  I'm pregnant!"

"Oh Mal, that's ... wonderful!  It's going to be great to have a brother or sister for Debra."

Carl had started to wonder if they would ever have another child, it seemed that Malia had become pregnant with Debra so quickly, but it had taken so long this time.  So now that their next child (or maybe even children!) was on the way he was besides himself with joy.

The weeks passed and Malia started to show, enough for Debra to notice that Mummy was somewhat larger than usual.  As everything was progressing normally, and the scans and tests were all good now was the time to tell Debra the happy news.

"Debra, darling, Mummy's got something wonderful to tell you ... you're going to have your own brother or sister!"

Debra looked a little confused, before bursting into a broad smile ... "Oh, wow!  When?  Can I choose?"

"Oh darling, we have to wait a little while before they arrive - what we'll do is make a special calendar so we can count the days and make sure everything is ready and perfect for the big day.

"It's going to be a surprise; even Mummy and Daddy don't know if it will be a baby brother or sister.  You see they are growing inside Mummy right now, right here in my tummy waiting to get big and strong.  It's only then that we will know if we will have a baby boy or baby girl"

"In fact," Malia continued, " if you listen really closely, or if you rest your hand very gently on my tummy, you might be able to hear or feel them growing ..."

Debra thought for a moment then, very gingerly, reached out to put her hand on Malia's stomach.  Looking expectantly up at her mother she moved in closer and was about to place an ear over her hand when she suddenly pulled back ... "I felt it Mummy, like a little punch from inside!  Oh Mummy, I can't wait to see my little brother or sister!"

The Birthday Girl

Most of the time in the house it is just Mummy, Daddy, and me but there was this one day ...

Mummy had been extra busy, doing lots of tidying up in all the rooms - Mummy sure liked to keep the house neat anyway but this was even more tidy!  And Daddy seemed to spend all morning on the phone, speaking to lots of different people and sounding happy with whatever they were saying.

Just about dinner time Daddy put me in some new clothes, they smelt all fresh and were so soft and such lovely colours!

Then all these people started to arrive!

Everyone seemed to be really happy and they all gave me a kiss and said how beautiful I looked.

I like these people!

The man in the funny shorts, I think he's called Liam, put the radio on and started dancing ... sort of, but it sure was funny!

When Daddy picked me up he lifted me high and said "you're getting to be a big girl now, I won't be able to do this for much longer."  I don't know what he meant but I love it when he picks me up and holds me tight - I hope he will always do that.

Then Daddy went to talk with Mr Liam, it was all about plants and experiments and stuff.  It was all kind of complicated and boring but he said Daddy was doing really good which made Daddy smile a lot.  I've decided I like Mr Liam, he dances funny and wears odd colours but he makes my Daddy happy.  He can come visit again!

When Daddy stopped talking to Mr Liam he made his voice all loud and said to everyone "Thank you all for coming today, to celebrate our lovely little girl's birthday ..."

He had said "birthday!"  Oh yes, yes, yes, I like birthdays!  Cake and presents and cake and ... and ... cake!

Daddy turned round and there it was!  Mummy had made a big and beautiful and chocolate cake!  My favourite!

Mummy lit the candles and Daddy helped me blow them out and when I did everyone was clapping and cheering and blowing paper horns.  I like birthdays!

We ate some of the cake but it was so big we had to leave some ... I'm going to have it for breakfast every day now!

After that we opened some presents and one of them was a beautiful blue dress that I think I will wear every time I go out.  Mummy didn't want me too but I begged and begged and begged and she let me put it on.

When everyone had finished eating and all the presents were open Daddy said he would tidy up and I should go outside to play with Mummy.  Mummy wasn't sure I should keep the new dress on but I promised I wouldn't get it dirty and she said "OK" but I don't think she really believed me.

Outside we played tag and rock paper scissors.  Catching Mummy was easy, I don't think she can run very fast!  But she nearly always beat me at RPS ... I think she must be able to cheat somehow! :)

After a while we went back inside and most of the people started to leave.  They all gave me another kiss and told me how much they liked my birthday party and how nice my new dress was.

It was getting a bit dark and Daddy said it was nearly bedtime but I could play for a bit before I had to go to sleep.

I had got some new furniture for my Perky Pat house, I think my little people, Pinky and Perky Pat, liked it though I had to make them take turns in sitting in the fancy new chair!

I had a lot of fun today and I've decided I really really like birthdays ... and I am going to have cake for breakfast in the morning!

Introducing Debra to the World

Debra was born into the cold of a Hidden Springs winter and this year was as cold as anyone could remember but the light and warmth she brought into Carl and Malia's life kept the deep chill at bay in their cosy little home on Cottenwood Crescent.

Not that they would have noticed the freeze outside as they devoted all their available time to Debra, encouraging her to talk, walk, and make sense of the world around her.

It was a particularly long winter this year but eventually temperatures lifted and the snows started to melt away.

Malia loved taking Debra out into the parks and open spaces around their home, particularly as the green shoots of spring began to reappear from under their frosty covering provided an ideal opportunity to introduce Debra to the wonders of nature's life-cycle.

Whether indoors or out, Debra was always inquisitive.  To her parents surprise even meal times were an adventure rather than a challenge.  It seemed that whatever new flavours they put in front of her Debra was ready to give it a go, dipping a finger (or several!) curiously into her bowl and sucking on them expectantly before smiling broadly at having something new to enjoy.

Being so adventurous it was inevitable that Debra would be eager to explore under her own steam and it seemed like only a matter of a few days to get her using the walker to propel herself around the house!

-- * --  

Spring also brought other changes into their lives as Carl received a major promotion, and salary increase, at work.

It was very welcome news as they had been struggling a little to put money aside for Debra's future.  Carl knew from his own father and grand-father that the future was a result of the choices you made in the present - and now that he had a family he intended to do all that he could to secure a good future for them and all that followed.

The extra in his pay packet would also help them afford another child.  Having Debra really brought out the paternal instinct in Carl and he was keen to add to their family.

The downside of his promotion was that his hours and workload increased, meaning that he had less quality time to spend with Debra and Malia.

But whenever he could work from home, he always would so that even he wasn't actively engaged with his daughter, Debra would know he was there for her ...and always  would be.

And Baby Makes Three

So, it really was true! What all their parent friends had told them; a new baby, most especially your first, changes your life completely and utterly.

Not the sleepless nights, not the fear of doing something wrong, not the panic of the unexpected sneeze, cough, or raised temperature.  No, none of the negatives.  It was having someone so innocent and helpless and dependant on you smiling and gurgling with pleasure every time she saw you.

From the moment he first saw Debra, Carl knew, if nothing else, this was what he was destined to do, to nurture and raise a child.

He took his full share of paternity leave from his job at the lab, but even when he went back to work, Carl loved taking his turn at the night-time or early morning feeds.

And when he returned home after a day at 'the office', the first thing he did was check in with his beautiful daughter and give her a snuggle before he changed out of his work clothes.

Every evening telling her how his day had gone, how proud he was, and how she was going to fulfil all of her dreams.

While Carl was at work, Malia loved keeping Debra with her as she went about her daily chores and when she had time to relax with her favourite TV programmes, describing to her daughter what was happening on the screen and how she would grow up to do whatever she wished.

Malia was, however, frustrated that the winter weather had staying so long in Hidden Springs so she was unable to get out into her garden.  She had agreed to take a stall at the central park where she would sell her produce and was eager to get started.

Without the physical effort of tending the garden to keep her active, there were many days when Malia would feel quite tired and lethargic by the time Carl came home from work.

Thankfully Carl was never one to mope or idle time away and his enthusiasm for both Debra and Malia as well as whatever it was they were doing at the time would invariably lift her spirits.

And, of course, whenever you felt like resting Debra would need a feed, or a nappy change, or just cuddles and play.

Seeing the uncomplicated love and affection of their baby would put a shine on any otherwise dull day.



A few weeks after Debra was born, they received a parcel from one of Malia's more distant aunts, Bernice.

Neither of them had seen her in years, though they knew Malia's parents and some other family members had kept in touch with her so it wasn't entirely surprising to receive a letter or small gift to celebrate a new addition to the family.

The gift of a small soft doll was not unusual either, but there was something out of the ordinary about it, compounded by the mysterious 'secrets' alluded to in the accompanying note.

Either way, Malia was delighted to hear from Bernice, and Debra took an instant liking to her slightly odd looking toy, so everyone was happy.

Special Delivery

Knowing they were to be parents, some changes in their lives were inevitable.

For one thing they realised that they needed a little extra room in their modest home so that their child had space to play in and, also, so that they had somewhere to get a little peace should they need it.  As positive and optimistic as they were, they both knew that there would be times when one or other of them just needed to take break.



So Carl set about adding a small extension to their cottage and moving the bathroom to make way for a nursery.

While Carl was busy reshaping their home, Malia had to endure the peculiar stresses, strains, and cravings that were part and parcel of being pregnant.

Normally Malia was not a great fan of ice-cream (it was one of the few things about her that Carl could never understand ... after all, who doesn't love ice-cream?!)

But there were many nights Malia would wake up with an urgent desire for the smoothest and creamiest of ice-creams - though always the most unusual flavours she could find!

-- * --

The months passed, the due date grew nearer and nearer when Carl's boss, Liam O'Dourke, threw a last minute party for the expectant couple - Liam was a great fan of the 'last minute' in most everything he did!

Though hurriedly organised Liam promised a relaxed and chilled gathering with some of their friends and work colleagues.  Despite his imminent fatherhood though, Carl couldn't help himself when they arrived and went into full bro-dude mode as Liam welcomed them into his home.

Always embarrassed whenever he did this, Malia would forgive him this time, knowing that very soon he would soon be saying goodbye to several aspects of his youthfulness as he adapted to a new role, a father.

Liam was a great host, providing not just some lovely finger food but also great company.

Though Malia did wonder if one particular guest held a special attraction for the still single host...

As conversations moved easily from subject to subject, with everyone contributing, whether trivial, serious, or passionate it was clear to anyone who took the time to notice such things, as Malia did, that Liam always seemed that little bit more interested whenever Candace Roberts put across her viewpoint. 

Even in the most relaxed and comfortable environment, Malia still only had limited energy, so when Carl noticed the tell-take signs he quickly suggested that that they head for home.

Saying their farewells to the assembled guests, Malia mentioned how the little one was starting to get a little 'active'.  Which, strangely enough, he/she often did around this time of the evening.

Liam couldn't help asking if he could ...

As he gently touched Malia's belly he felt the baby push out; once, twice, three times.  "Well," he smiled, "I reckon you're going to have your hands full ... feels like baby  Slade is going to be a bit of a handful!"

-- * --

As it turned out, it was only a few days later when Malia felt that irresistible pressure.  It was clear that "the little one" wasn't planning on waiting around!

Rushed to the Rudolph Vanderburg Memorial Hospital, the delivery was surprisingly quick and straight-forward.  There were no complications, the doctor declared both mother and baby were healthy and recovery from the 'trauma' of birth progressing without any cause for concern.


In no time at all Malia emerged from the hospital delighted to introduce the world to Debra Slade.



With little Debra at home, both Carl and Malia felt suddenly empowered.  It was as if, after all the time they had spent travelling and exploring, they had finally realised what was truly important to them.

Their beautiful new daughter had given them a new and very "real" purpose.  One that would, for sure, be at times difficult and stressful but, nevertheless, be immensely rewarding and satisfying.

That night, the first as a complete family, they all three slept soundly, with a a sense of great relief, satisfaction, and anticipation for the next chapters in their lives.